More from Football

Terry to miss Italy friendly

John Terry will be missing from the selection when Roy Hodgson's latest England squad is announced on Friday morning.

Last Updated: 10/08/12 1:29pm

John Terry: Will be omitted from Roy Hodgson's England squad for the friendly against Italy

John Terry will be missing from the selection when Roy Hodgson's latest England squad is announced on Friday morning.

Terry is available for the friendly with Italy in Berne on 15th August despite being charged by the Football Association for directing racially abusive language towards Anton Ferdinand at Loftus Road in October.

But Hodgson has decided to take a look at alternatives with Terry set to play for Chelsea against Manchester City in the Community Shield at Villa Park on Sunday.

In fact, Hodgson will not pick any of his back-four from Euro 2012, with Ashley Cole, Joleon Lescott and Glen Johnson all being rested for the rematch with the team who eliminated them from that tournament at the quarter-final stage.

As a result, the likes of Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Kyle Walker can expect to be included, while Chelsea youngster Ryan Bertrand is likely to receive a first England call-up.

Captain Steven Gerrard is also set to be rested and with Scott Parker injured there could be opportunities for Jack Rodwell and Tom Cleverley.

Wayne Rooney is likely to captain the side in Gerrard's absence as he is set to be retained in the squad after featuring just twice at Euro 2012.

The game is the last chance Hodgson will have to assess his players ahead of their opening World Cup qualifier in Moldova on 7th September.

Experiment

And assistant Gary Neville believes supporters should not expect too much from an experimental squad on the eve of the season.

"You have to consider what you want out of a game," said Neville.

"We are at the end of pre-season, the league is just about to start and we have three days to prepare, so you are not going to get a perfect performance.

"Also I am not quite sure it will have an effect on the Moldova game.

"I played in a lot of England friendlies when the result wasn't backed up in the competitive matches afterwards.

"What we need is a good quality performance to keep the momentum going.

"We are unbeaten so far in terms of normal football and are developing a squad that can take the country towards the World Cup."